Potamogeton nodosus
Long-leaf Pondweed is one
of many species of pondweeds, which are aquatic
(water) plants. Almost all of the plant stays
underwater. Pondweeds are found in
ponds, of course, and anywhere else there is quiet water,
including lakes, marshes,
and rivers. Long-leaf Pondweed has
two different kinds of leaves; one is underwater, and one
floats on the surface of the water. The submerged
(underwater) leaves are long and thin, growing up to eight
inches long. The floating leaves are oval-shaped and grow up
to five inches long. Hugh Wilson Hugh Wilson Another difference
between the leaves is that the submerged leaves have one
inch stalks, and the floating leaves have ten inch
stalks. The floating leaves of
pondweed are usually deteriorating. This means they are
dying. However, the pondweed is usually making more. You
will notice some look bad, while others look fresh and
green. Leaves deteriorate quickly because they are in the
water. Long-leaf Pondweed blooms
from June to August. Flowers are not very beautiful; they
are reddish-brown spikes, about two inches long, on the end
of a six-inch stalk.
Br. Alfred Brousseau, Berkeley Digital Library Photo Collection